Garbage on the streets of the Corporate Area. The Mona Road is one such area that is littered with bushes. - norman grindley

As part of our mission to be the People Paper, THE WEEKEND STAR has been highlighting problem areas across the island.

Our reporter, Carolyn Johnson, along with photographer Norman Grindley, will focus on a particular area until the problem is fixed. Now we will have a rough idea of how long the relevant authorities take to deal with some of the problems affecting our country.

The new issue this week is the collection of garbage, or lack thereof. Residents from Greater Portmore, St. Catherine, have informed THE WEEKEND STAR they are swimming in garbage along with the creepy, crawling insects that accompany the waste. They are complaining that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is slack in doing their job.

"It's inconsistent!" Anthony Hamilton, a resident of 4 West, Greater Portmore said. It's [collection of garbage] supposed to be twice per week on Mondays and Thursdays, in different sections you have different days.

Sometimes dem only come once per week, or none at all or other days. But if dem mek a commitment it woulda good to we." He explained that persons in anticipation of the pick-up leave their garbage out on these days, but "when dem come home, dem see the dog turn it ova and more problems".

Stench

Another resident also complained of the stench that hovers over his community. They fear dengue fever may also become an added problem.

Another issue of concern is the bush clearing that has been ongoing by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), as with the rains has come beautiful vegetation. But while we applaud the KSAC for the work they have been doing, we would appreciate if the weeds were removed from the roadside where they are placed in patches for pick-up. Last week weeds were left for almost a week on Mona Road, with some piles extending well on to the road.

Please, do the job completely.